The Newcastle Jets Women return home this weekend to host Wellington Phoenix in their last home game of the season, this Saturday with kick-off at 3 pm.
The Jets will look to end this season with a win at home, with their previous match resulting in a 2-2 draw over in Adelaide last Friday. Newcastle were leading 2-0 at halftime, with goals from Lucy Johnson and Lauren Allan, before the home side came back late in the second half.
Saturday’s match will be a crucial one for both sides, as Wellington are currently sitting last on the ladder, two points behind the Jets who are placed tenth. With both sides looking to avoid finishing on the bottom of the ladder for the season.
Phoenix’s previous match resulted in a 1-0 defeat to Perth. In their 15 games so far this season, they have won two, drawn three, and lost ten.
As Wellington joined the A leagues last season for the 2021/2022 season, the two sides have only played each other in two matches. The Jets have won both games, with a 5-1 win and a 1-0 win.
Saturday will be the first time the teams play each other this season and will be a contest to watch.
Wellington has scored 13 goals this season and has conceded 24, meanwhile, the Jets have 19 goals to their name, with 47 conceded.
Tara Andrews’ scored two goals in the Jets’ 5-1 win over the Phoenix last season and will look to do the same on Saturday. Andrews is sitting on four goals for her side so far this season. The striker announced during the week that she will be retiring from professional football at the end of the season and Saturday’s match against the Phoenix will be her final home game.
Goalkeeper Claire Coelho has also announced her retirement from the professional game. Coelho joined the club in 2013 and told her teammates of her decision on Thursday night.
Wellington’s experienced midfielder Betsy Hassett, has represented New Zealand’s national team, playing 134 games and will be strong in the midfield for her side.
One to watch this weekend will be Lauren Allan as she has been clinical in attack for the Jets, she is also sitting on four goals.
Team news:
Ins: 9. Tara Andrews, 11. Tessa Tamplin,
Outs: 24. Josie Morley
Womens:
- Georgina Worth, 2. Emily Roach, 3. Emily Garnier 4. Josie Allan 5. Leia Puxty 6. Cass Davis 7. Chloe Walandouw 9. Tara Andrews 10. Sophie Stapleford 11. Tessa Tamplin, 12. Murphy Agnew 13. Lauren Allan 14. Lucy Johnson, 18. Taren King, 19. Ash Brodigan, 20. Claire Coelho 22. Cannon Clough, 23. Teigen Allen, 25. Lara Gooch, 27. Renee Pountney.
Jets fans can use their season membership to enter the match this weekend at No.2 Sportsground, with gates opening one hour prior to kick-off at 2 pm. The match will also be live-streamed via Paramount+.
